Zara’s Holocaust Shirt

The fashion faux pas is offensive, but save your indignation and focus on more critical issues.

What was Zara’s thinking? A Nazi-chic, concentration camp shirt with yellow Jewish star -- for your baby? This is supposed to be high fashion? Putting aside the anti-Semitic overtones for a moment, who would buy something so ugly?

To their credit, Zara’s immediately apologized and yanked the product from their stores after the Twitterverse went ballistic. A spokesperson for Zara’s parent company said, “The garment was inspired by the classic Western films, but we now recognize that the design could be seen as insensitive and apologize sincerely for any offence caused to our customers.”

A stupid mistake? Could be, but unlikely. Three Holocaust-related elements went into the design of this shirt: the six-point start of David, making the star yellow, and putting it on a striped shirt. No one noticed what it resembled?

The fashion faux pas is offensive, but save your outrage. This is not a battle worth fighting no matter how loud the blogosphere screams. In today’s instant messaging world, everything gets screamed aloud in order to have its one minute of spotlight. If everything demands our moral outrage, we become desensitized to the incidents that truly deserve our outrage. Suffering from Outrage Fatigue Syndrome, we tune out all the noise.

There are enough atrocious things going on in the world, and to the Jewish people that warrant our ire and involvement. It is a disservice to blow things out of proportion. Anti-Semitism around the world is bad enough; we do not need to inflate it by characterizing it as another Holocaust on our doorstep.

All the clatter can also obscure incidents that should truly alarm us. The disappearance and possible kidnapping of Aaron Sofer, an American yeshiva student learning in Jerusalem, who inexplicably went missing while hiking with his friend in the Jerusalem forest, is perhaps a case in point. It has galvanized the Orthodox hareidi world to unite in prayer around the world, and search parties in Jerusalem. But I do not get the sense that the same urgent response is being felt amongst all sectors in Israel and the Jewish world.

Just as the Jewish world united when Naftali, Eyal and Gilad were kidnapped, with everyone feeling that these were “our boys,” the entire Jewish world needs to feel the same way about Aaron Sofer. He is our son, our brother. We should be losing sleep. Perhaps the somewhat muted response is due to not knowing what has happened, but the fact of the matter is that a precious Jew is missing. Watch the video of Aaron’s parents (see below) and feel their pain. Imagine it was your son feared to be kidnapped by Arab terrorists.

The Zara Holocaust baby shirt is nuisance. Let’s direct our energies to doing what we can to help the Sofer family. That means praying for Aaron ben Chulda’s well-being (yes it does make a difference), and making an effort to get out of our pettiness and care about our fellow Jew, no matter what kippah he may or may not be wearing. We experienced that unity 50 days ago. Let’s come together again and may it be a merit for Aaron ben Chulda.

A SAD ADDENDUM

Seven hours after posting this article, the body of Aaron Sofer was found in the Jerusalem area of Ein Kerem. We are shocked and saddened by this terrible tragedy and our thoughts and prayers go out to the family.

Sad, sad news... May Hashem comfort you and strenghten you, your family and all of am Israel

(29)
Anonymous,
September 1, 2014 2:04 AM

I understand and agree that we need to filter and concentrate on only truly meaningful things. That said, I think it was unfortunate and somewhat distasteful to put the Zara debacle alongside the Sofer tragedy, even to make a point. My heart goes out to the Sofer family on the loss of their precious son. HaMakom Yinachem Eschem BToch Shaar Avlei Tzion vYerushalayim.

(28)
S Webbber,
August 31, 2014 7:36 AM

So sorry to hear

My condolences to the family. I was so sorry to hear what happened to your beloved son. May Ha-Shem console you among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem and may you know no more sorrow

(27)
Rosabel,
August 31, 2014 12:53 AM

Heartbreaking.

Love and Prayers to family. We pray to G*d that this beautiful child be granted Memory Eternal!

(26)
Keith, UK,
August 30, 2014 9:06 PM

To The Parents Of Young Aaron

My wife and I send our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to G-d for you. Many years back we lost our first son as a stillbirth. The pain was horrendous for both of us.We never knew David's personality, and I suppose that helped somewhat and as time has passed that pain has eased somewhat. I can really feel how the passing on of your dear Aaron has created so much pain and almost a feeling of unreality. Something so very hard to accept. Even though we are very much at a loss to fully understand why this has happened, G-d will give you the strength and courage to cope with such a painful time. He will comfort you both. His love knows no bounds and is endless. Aaron's soul is now safely in our Creator's hands. Nothing can harm him or alter that now.

G-d bless you both. My wife and I are praying for you.

Keith, UK

(25)
sara,
August 29, 2014 5:19 PM

May Hashem comfort your heart, with love, Sara from Mexico City

(24)
Sheila,
August 29, 2014 4:19 PM

Grieving with you

My thoughts and prayers go out to you. May the G-d of Peace comfort you. Many of us from the Christian community grieve with you and all of Israel over your loss.

(23)
ruth,
August 29, 2014 1:52 PM

Greiving with you...

My heart aches with you over the loss of your son. May Hashem surround you with His Comfort now and in the days to come.

(22)
Shirley Cohen,
August 29, 2014 1:35 PM

I am so shocked and saddened by your tragic loss. Please accept my love and sympathy together with a big hug all the way from South Africa. May Hashem comfort you among the mourners of Zion & Jerusalem..

(21)
Rocio,
August 29, 2014 4:05 AM

United in sorrow.

I like to express y deepest sympathy to Aaron family. May Hashem give you peace.

(20)
Clau,
August 29, 2014 1:15 AM

When I saw the T shirt,the first thing that I noticed was a western star. Please,there are much important things to think about it than a simple t shirt. Please,give each thing the importance that deserve.

(19)
Eva Amzallag,
August 29, 2014 12:27 AM

No excuse

There is no excuse for this mistake. I am from Barcelona, Spain and live in the U.S. and honestly this is disgusting. I truly think that Zara should be boycotted. I'm sick and tired of the multimillion dollar companies that don't care if they offend or don't. It's all about the money.

(18)
Dodi Lasovich,
August 28, 2014 10:42 PM

May the Creator comfort your hearts as only He can. My heart hurts for your loss.

(17)
Eve Jacobs,
August 28, 2014 8:09 PM

Condolences to the Sofer family

I extend my condolences to you and hope that Hashem will help you be comforted, and that He will give you the strength to go on. In Hebrew we say "Hashem Yinachem Etchem betoch Shear avalei Tzion V'Yerushalayim." I was told that we say Etchem in the plural even if only one person is mourning because Hashem is mourning together with you. May we all only have simchas from now on.

(16)
Ezra an Sarit Rayburn,
August 28, 2014 7:24 PM

We are with you in your pain

Our hearts go out to you. Thank you for raising a boy that brought achdus to Am Yisrael. No Tefilllos go unheard, may we soon have besorot tovot with the welcoming of Mashiach Tzidkeinu, in our days.

(15)
Anonymous,
August 28, 2014 7:16 PM

Our prayers are with the softer family!! May HaShem bring him home safe and sound.

(14)
JB Destiny,
August 28, 2014 6:40 PM

Not so hard to believe

Over a decade ago, I handled events and marketing for the largest lawyer referral service in New York City. The members lived and worked in all five boroughs. I started at the beginning of November, and my first event was the annual Holiday Party for the members. When we got to the menu, I asked where we should get kosher food for the Jewish members. The Director looked at me dumbfounded; in all the years of this party, it had never occurred to any of the non-kosher observing employees that this was necessary! And they had a kosher lawyer on staff! He finally stammered that only one kosher observing member ever came anyway. I suggested that maybe more would come if we had kosher food for them to eat. Sure enough, after spreading the word to our members, that year six kosher members came; the following year almost two dozen showed up. I left after that year, and my former coworkers tell me that they always provide a kosher alternative now.

My point is that if an association for lawyers (a popular Jewish profession) in a metropolitan area teeming with Orthodox Jews and even has Jewish staff doesn't "get it" until it's pointed out, we shouldn't be outraged when some much larger company, who likely has much less interaction with Jews, doesn't see how their product evokes Holocaust imagery until it hits the stores. It should be our purpose to educate them, not excoriate them.

(13)
Rachel,
August 28, 2014 6:22 PM

it looks like a sheriff's star

There's a Tex-Mex restaurant in Rockville, Maryland, called "Blue Star". It features a blue, six-pointed star with a circle on each of the points, just like the sheriffs' stars worn in the American West in the 19th century. And it's a kosher restaurant.

(12)
Eleanor Dahlstrom,
August 28, 2014 6:17 PM

I would wear it with pride in memory of all the beautiful children lost in the Holocaust

To begin with I am not Jewish but had many Jewish, Catholic and Protestant friends when I was growing up. My sympathies lie with Israel and I have always stood up against antisemitism. The Holocaust was and always will be one of the worst episodes in history. The genocide of an nation, never to be forgotten, always to be remembered. Many of the Jews wore their Star of David with pride and why not. It was the Nazis who used the star to humiliate people and make them into second class citizens. I am not Jewish but would wear the star with pride in memory of all that was lost. In Warsaw they wore daffodils in memory of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising. I think the Star of David is wonderful and when I see one I always think of the Holocaust. Long live Israel, a safe place for Jews to live.

(11)
David Peters,
August 28, 2014 6:06 PM

Magen David or Sheriff's Badge

Zara's apology for the misunderstanding stated that they were going the Wild West Sheriff's badge look. At the Autry Museum in LA, there is an exhibit of sheriff's badges - way more than half are six-pointed, mostly pointed, the others with protective tips. I agree with Ms. Whitney. I would wear one (size XXL). It's good to be the sheriff.

(10)
מלך בנ יהודה,
August 28, 2014 5:54 PM

disgust

If these trendy people would wear such offensive garb, they need to take a sensitivity training course. Those who lived through that era have a greater understanding, Those who were in the camps should be repulsed by it's very existence.. My heart bleeds for those who have lost children to violence. I have lost a son as well. There are better ways to show support. It is called involvement.

(9)
Anonymous,
August 28, 2014 5:38 PM

Your loss and your pain are our loss and pain too. This is also the pain of the Jewish people as a whole. We need to stay together, pray together, fight evil together, as one nation. Please know that our warm thoughts envelope you as you go through these difficult times.

(8)
Yehudit18,
August 28, 2014 5:36 PM

So sorry

My heart is broken by the loss of Aaron. Please Hashem ease the family's pain

(7)
Paul Price,
August 28, 2014 5:07 PM

heartbreaking

My condolences to the family very sad to hear this new, May Hashem comfort and console them in their loss

(6)
winnie wright,
August 28, 2014 4:51 PM

I do not want to offend anyone but I would wear that top in full support of all Jews. Perhaps I see things all wrong but I would be proud to wear a yellow star. Shalom

(5)
Dr. Ed Marcus,
August 28, 2014 4:08 PM

The Holocaust images are not common to everyone.

When I saw the shirt photo I saw Jews in Dachau, but the rest of the world, particularly younger people(Jew and non-Jew), have not grown up w/ history and simply don't see the sickening sight that is so obvious to the rest of us. Never let history fade!!

(4)
Leah,
August 28, 2014 4:07 PM

They have forgotten nor do they understand

The Zara shirt was offensive but I do accept that it was a misunderstanding. The problem with the misunderstanding shows that the majority of people have forgotten or do not know about the yellow star that Jews had to sew on. I have heard people suggest that it is time that the Jews stopped waving the Holocaust around for special treatment. That is before they condemn us for apartheid or putting Palestinians in the Gaza ghetto. We need to stay together as a people and those American Jews who use and abuse their relationship to the Holocaust to promote abuse against Israel, it is appalling and, in my opinion, goes against Judaism. That we should speak out against any and all suffering is right and proper as well as required.

In the meantime my heart and prayers go out to Aaron's parents and all other parents who have no idea what happened to their child(ren).

(3)
Chris,
August 28, 2014 3:45 PM

Aaron Sofer

We should pray, not only because Aaron is Jewish, but because he is a valuable human being, a son to his parents, a brother, friend and child of God. I am Christian and I will be bringing this to my church for prayer. God deliver him back to his people.

Tracey,
August 28, 2014 6:43 PM

Connectedness

I thank Chris for the beautiful response about praying for Aaron. You are a righteous person to respect that people are the children of G-d, and, as such have human value.

Anonymous,
September 1, 2014 2:07 AM

If there were more people like Chris and Tracey, the world would be a better place! Thank you to both of you.

(2)
Sandy,
August 28, 2014 3:23 PM

When is it going to end? Aren't you sick of it yet?

This will never end until we do a lot more than pray. They are laughing as they murder us; they always have, because all they understand is violence and death. The Germans made home movies and documented their murder with their superior cameras. They had the nerve to film it all. Because we were and are sheep. We need to fight back; that's all there is or continue to be lambs to the slaughter. If it was my son, I would go and find whomever took him and that would be the last thing they did on this cursed earth.

(1)
Nancy,
August 28, 2014 9:54 AM

I understand what you are saying

However, I think it was perfectly appropriate to have a reaction to that odious shirt. We don't have to yell and scream about it, but we can certainly vote with our wallets. Re: Aaron Sofer. I am QUITE concerned about him, and I will daven for his safe return. I can't even imagine the pain and anguish his parents and other family members must be feeling at this moment.